Vitamin P - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Vitamin P is also called Bioflavonoid. Vitamin P, enhances the use of vitamin C by improving absorption and protecting it from oxidation.

There is no established need for bioflavinoids in human nutrition. Bioflavinoids have been used historically in a variety of disease states including Rheumatic fever, habitual abortion, poliomyelitis, prevention of bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, diabetic retinitis, and others.

Functions and benefits of Vitamin P

The benefits of vitamins P is their antioxidant capabilities. Antioxidants prevent any serious diseases from developing by neutralizing free radicals. If the free radicals is not neutralized then the substantial cell can be damage. Oxidation is what happens to the part of a car that develops rust. As like rust begins to destroy a car's body, free radicals begin destroying cells. As cells begin to break down, the body becomes susceptible to heart and other types of diseases and other adverse conditions including premature aging.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin P

No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation.

Food sources of Vitamin P

Vitamin P are plant-based so they are found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the brightly colored fruits and vegetables in shades of red, orange and yellow are the best sources. Mangoes, apricots, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits, lemons, cherries, blackcurrants, plums, and grapes are good fruit sources. Carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli and onions are good vegetable sources. Believe it or not, much of the Vitamin P value actually comes from the rind.

Red wine also is a good source of Vitamin P and even and most of the doctors recommend drinking a glass with dinner.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin P

If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables Vitamin P should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present Vitamin P could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since it helps with the absorption of iron.

Very high dosages of Vitamin P may cause diarrhea.